It's Celebrity Bog Bother
SIR Cliff Richard has been ruled out of Celebrity Big Brother over his plea for a private loo.
The veteran singer’s participation in the next series hinged on demands for privacy while washing and going to the toilet.
The idea of giving Sir Cliff, 68, his own facilities away from the house and cameras was discussed with show bosses.
But an agreement could not be reached, causing negotiations to collapse.
A show insider told The Sun: “Everyone was really excited about the prospect of having a legend like him on the series.
“But, early on in negotiations, reservations were raised about the lack of privacy and whether any alternative arrangements could be made.
“One suggestion raised was that Cliff could have his own bathroom away from the main house which would not be filmed — but ultimately that proved not to be possible.
“Producers were disappointed but are confident the cast they have gathered will more than make up for his absence.”
A spokesman for Channel 4 said: “Negotiations are held with a lot of people and many raise certain conditions for appearance. We weigh each one up on its own merit.”
The reality show wasn’t broadcast this year following the race row storm surrounding Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty in 2007.
It returns for its sixth series on January 2, with tiny actor Verne Troyer, 39, who played Austin Powers favourite Mini-Me, a confirmed starter.
Sir Cliff has sold more than 260million discs worldwide, and had 14 UK No1 singles..
A spokesman for the star confirmed last night: “Cliff won’t be taking part this year.”
Sheridan in the big brother house
GEORGE Galloway famously dressed up in lycra and pretended to lap up milk like a cat.
Now Celebrity Big Brother bosses hope his suntanned pal Tommy Sheridan will follow in his pawprints when he joins the show next month.
A Channel 4 insider said: “We think Tommy will really stir up the House. He’s our new George Galloway.”
The former MSP — who’s facing perjury charges over his 2006 defamation action against the News of the World — will be tracked around the clock by 35 cameras and 40 microphones when he enters the famous set on January 2.
The 44-year-old, who founded the Solidarity party after splitting from the SSP, snubbed a big-money offer to appear in the 2007 series of the show.
But producers have talked him round — and last night our insider confirmed: “Yes, Tommy is in.
“Channel 4 have already secretly filmed an interview with him in Glasgow and he’s set to stir it all up and get on everyone’s nerves.”
Sheridan has previously admitted being a big fan of the hit reality series, saying: “It’s mind-numbing claptrap, but I can’t help it.”
And speaking about his decision not to go on last time, he said: “They made a very generous offer but there were no guarantees of communicating my political ideas.”
Insiders hope Sheridan will prove as controversial as fellow political firebrand Galloway.
Galloway, who formed his own Respect party after being booted out of Labour, was famously seen in a red Lycra catsuit in 2006.
He was roundly ridiculed after he pretended to be a cat and mimed licking milk from actress Rula Lenska’s hand.
CBB wasn’t broadcast this year following the race-row storm surrounding Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty in 2007.
But joining Sheridan in the BB House in 2009 will be tiny actor VERNE TROYER, 39, who played Mini Me in the Austin Powers films.
Grammy Award-winning American rapper COOLIO, 45, has also been signed up, along with radio and TV presenter TERRY CHRISTIAN, also 45, who fronted controversial Channel 4 show The Word in the 1990s.
Sheridan was awarded £200,000 in August 2006 after he convinced an Edinburgh jury that reports in the News of the World that he had taken part in orgies at a swingers club were untrue.
But trial judge Lord Turnbull raised concerns about contradictory testimony during the trial, and police launched a criminal investigation.
Last December Sheridan was arrested outside the studios of radio station Talk 107 in Edinburgh, where he was hosting a phone-in show, and charged with perjury.
In February this year, his wife, Gail, father-in-law Gus Healy, former MSP Rosemary Byrne, and Solidarity members Pat Smith, Graeme McIver and Jock Penman — all of whom gave evidence on Sheridan’s behalf in court — were also charged with perjury.
Our TV source revealed: “Channel 4 have a time delay on the show and any contentious comments Sheridan could make on his possible trial will be blanked out of the coverage.”
